Alissa Scott has dealt with enough manipulation at the hands of overbearing men to last her a lifetime.Her grandfather’s will is just another prime example of the lengths he’d go to in order to get his own way.No matter… Alissa’s devised a plan to fulfill the terms of the will but on her own terms.Only things don’t go exactly the way she plans and she ends up marrying the one man she’s steadfastly refused over and over.

Italian tycoon Dario Parisi has every reason to despise Alissa’s family.Her grandfather is directly responsible for the destruction of the Parisis.Dario’s determined to regain the family home, Castello Parisi, and thwarting Alissa’s plans to receive her inheritance is his first step in reclaiming what rightfully belongs to him.Dario makes no apologies for ruthlessly manipulating the situation to suit himself.He’s a hard man, but then he’s had to be in order to achieve his level of success.

Dario’s left nothing to chance.He’s had Alissa carefully investigated and knows all about her sordid past.He also knows about her wedding plans – as well as the reason for the wedding.Her grandfather’s will specifies that she’s to marry within the month and her plans to marry a friend have failed.She has very little choice – either marry Dario or forfeit the estate and the money she desperately needs.Dario and Alissa have strong opinions about each other and even if there is a semblance of physical attraction neither of them is going to admit to it.Dario’s under the impression that Alissa is a self-centered, greedy party girl whose only interest is continuing her over privileged ways.Alissa believes Dario’s as heartless and overbearing as her grandfather.Why else would he be so hateful and force her into a marriage she doesn’t want… and then on top of that refuse to give her an advance on the amount he promised to pay for the estate once it becomes legally theirs.Ah, but then her desperate need for money may aid Dario in getting something he wants – Alissa in his bed.

BLACKMAILED BRIDE, INEXPERIENCED WIFE is a surprisingly heart-touching and emotional read.I was able to empathize with Alissa right away and despised Dario on principle alone but as I read further into the story I began to respect him and understand his motives much better.Dario and Alissa’s marriage looks like its doomed right from the start but with a bit of honesty and understanding they could discover that they’re perfect together.While the fiasco of a marriage between Alissa and Dario is the focal point of this story its Alissa’s sister Donna’s medical situation that really captivated me and kept me reading long after I should have been in bed.Annie West pens an exciting tale complete with all the heartache, desire, tension and drama necessary to ensure that readers stay captivated ‘til the last page.Beautifully written!I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more writing by Ms. West.